[Explanation] As an important part of the Matisi Grottoes, a national key cultural relics protection unit, the Jintasi Grottoes are hidden in the Qilian Mountains in Sunan County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province. They are not like the busy traffic in tourist attractions. They are "unauthorized" Except for the research and maintenance personnel, the protected area is not open to the outside world.
During a recent field visit, the reporter saw that the Jintasi grottoes excavated on the red sand cliffs consist of two caves in the east and west, with murals painted on the top of the four walls.
Most of the statues are original Beiliang sculptures, which were rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty. The murals have two or three layers.
The most distinctive feature is the flying sculptures on both sides of the lintel on the first floor of the East Cave, which are relatively flying in the sky.
The high-carving colored sculptures in the Golden Pagoda Temple have a history of flying to the sky far earlier than Dunhuang Flying. It is a rare treasure of cave art and is the only one in the country.
The preservation of so many precious sculptures and murals is inseparable from Liu Guohu, the cultural relic manager of the grotto. In his opinion, the cave guarding in the deep mountains is not afraid of loneliness. The most worrying thing is that the new and old work is not done well at the beginning.
[Concurrent] Liu Guohu, Cultural Relic Administrator of Jinta Temple Grottoes
It’s because I have a relationship with the Golden Pagoda Temple. At that time, after our director left, I was left alone at that time. Normally, I can’t feel it alone during the New Year holidays. One year when I was on duty here alone for the New Year, I suddenly heard from the village. The villagers of the villagers made the sound of firecrackers, only to know that it was New Year’s Eve today, and they didn’t prepare anything delicious for themselves. It was as if the director had left and didn’t know what to do. At the very least, he had to do his job well.
[Explanation] For more than ten years, Liu Guohu has been guarding a grotto like a hanging temple by himself. He can only go home once a month to see his family. Facing the silent Buddha statue, he is company with wolf and friend with nature, but he still feels that every There are new discoveries every day.
When he told reporters about his experience, he even described his life in the cave as "rich and colorful". He thought that such a beautiful grotto could be guarded here, which is regarded as a merit. At the same time, he laughed at himself for being accompanied by a fire and a motorcycle. Live your life by yourself.
[Concurrent] Liu Guohu, Cultural Relic Administrator of Jinta Temple Grottoes
I think this environment is more suitable for me. (Why do you say that) I still like it from the bottom of my heart. I can see the exquisite grottoes. I think the most impressive thing is that the fireplace of the workstation accompanies me. Others are quiet and there is no sound. The sound of the fire from the stove accompanies me.
At that time, there was a two-stroke motorcycle. They were riding motorcycles from the ice. There was a three-kilometer icy road. When they came back, both shoes were frozen in ice, because there was water on the ice.
Sometimes it’s not easy to buy a la carte. When you come back, the food is gone. The road is quite bumpy, so the food is bumped.
I also like to climb mountains. I have basically climbed all the higher mountains here.
[Explanation] When Liu Guohu just started his work, there was very little research material on the Golden Pagoda Temple. Whenever experts and scholars from all over the country came to investigate, Liu Guohu would take out his accumulated problems for advice, and read historical materials and contact the Golden Pagoda. Compare the grottoes near the temple.
Today, he can talk about every sculpture, every mural and the story behind it.
[Concurrent] Liu Guohu, Cultural Relic Administrator of Jinta Temple Grottoes
Sometimes people visit or something. I feel that I have to be responsible for this work. I have the opportunity to read and see related to the Golden Pagoda Temple. The grotto on the west tells the story of Maitreya’s sutra changes. Fortunately, When I came across that book, I gradually learned something after reading it. It has scripture stories. Only then did I begin to concentrate and have the opportunity and time to study these Buddhist knowledge and Buddhist stories.
[Explanation] Nowadays, in the work of guarding the caves for more than ten years, Liu Guohu, while strictly guarding the safety of cultural relics, also uses his own "earth method" to diagnose "diseases" for the grotto rock mass.
His child was influenced by his father and was obsessed with his father’s telling the story of the Golden Pagoda Temple. He also wanted to be a caveman like his father. As long as he had time, he would stay with his father for a period of time. Father and son would ride a motorcycle together. Patrolling, guarding caves and picking mushrooms in the mountains.
Yin Chunyong, Li Yalong, Wang Muyu, Zhangye, Gansu reporting
Editor in charge: [Sun Jingbo]